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LATVIA, A RARE EXPERIENCE YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS...

Latvia is an ancient country some 3000 years old, but it was only in 1201 that the capital Riga appeared. It was founded by the Teutonic Knights of the Sword. From 1201 until World War I, Latvia was under foreign rule, Germans, Swedes, Poles, and Russians. The predominant influences were Russian and German, with a 90-year interlude under King Gustavus Adolfus of Sweden, which ended when Peter the Great defeated him in 1701. At the end of World War I, Latvia finally emerged as an independent national state. It lasted only two decades. At the outbreak of World War II, Latvia was forcefully annexed by Stalin. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, Latvia regained its independence in August 1991.

Everything about Latvia is a contrast. You can have a holiday by the beach and 30 minutes later be wandering through a World Heritage-listed Old Town that can be explored for hours. In the former Zeppelin Hangers, which are now the city's famous Central Markets, you can interact with the locals on a search for the best cheeses and fruit. After exploring the city, you can wander through the lake and forest region, and visit an ethnographical museum that will make think you've stepped back a century or two. You can search for the Baltic treasure, Amber, or learn of the people's struggle for independence under numerous occupiers. Latvia has it all.

Riga, the capital, has a population of almost a million. It is a busy port and a cosmopolitan city with a well-preserved, fascinating Old Town. It offers a rich architectural setting ranging from medieval gabled homes and storehouses built by Hansa merchants to exquisite 19^th, to the beginning of the 20^th century Art Nouveau buildings. Set among trees by a lake in the suburbs of Riga, is the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum with over one hundred wooden buildings.

In recent years increased tourist services development including new air connections have drawn attention to Riga by British, German and Scandinavian tourists. Middle aged and younger people explore Latvia’s capital attractions, enjoy the many restaurants and bars, and visit Riga’s Opera which is one of the most famous in the region especially during the opera festival held in June every year.

Close to Riga is Jurmala, Latvia's Riviera like resort with long beaches, attractive wooden villas, and numerous spas and therapeutic facilities.

A visitor shouldn’t miss the historic towns of Cesis and Sigulda with their medieval castles, along side the pleasant banks of the Gauja River while traveling through Gauja National Park.

The 18^th century Rundale Palace not far from Latvian – Lithuanian border is considered the most impressive Baroque building in Latvia. It was the summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The museum located there now offers baroque themed event programs that can be booked or added to your incentive program at ELIT Events Baltic.

The South Western Latvia, Kurzeme area is still mostly unknown to tourists although there is a large number of old manors and castles, and the lovely town of Kuldiga with an almost totally conserved 19^th century Old Town and the 2^nd widest waterfall in Europe (although only 2 meter high).

The area highlight is the port of Ventspils that features a maritime museum with huge collection of anchors and many other things.

Another port, Liepaja attracts viewers with 19^th to the beginning of the 20^th century villas and reminders of the Soviet times when the city was the major Soviet Naval Base on the Baltic Sea. Thrilling views of the base called Karuosta in Latvian will definitely impress everyone.

Contact us for traditional and off of the beaten track travel packages in Latvia. Your complete satisfaction, nothing less!

Don’t pass up this opportunity to visit Latvia. See more pictures of Latvia on flickr.